~ November ~

Fall color is waning and in six weeks, the shortest days of the year will be here. 

For now, we are grateful for birds that visit to feed on insects and fruits,

and rest up before moving to their overwintering sites. Some will stay to brighten our winter days!

11-2-23 Blackhaw drupes (Viburnum prunifolium)

Blackhaw drupes(Viburnum prunifolium) remain on a few of our plants to feed many species of birds. 

10-15-23 Golden-crowned Kinglets 10-15-23 Four Golden-crowned Kinglets

Golden-crowned Kinglets are still coming through, and one day there were four at the bubbler at once!

  10-13-23 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10-15-23 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglets still stop by, they love moving water whether at the bubbler or at the pond. 

10-19-23 Orange-crowned Warbler first fall male 10-19-23 Orange-crowned Warbler first fall male and Yellow-rumped Warbler

This young male Orange-crowned Warbler felt safe to tuck in behind the Yellow-rumped Warbler to bathe.

10-15-23 Brown Creeper

Brown Creepers usually stay over the winter.

10-15-23 Brown Thrasher

Brown Thrashers are rare in winter, but a pair nested here and we have seen some this fall.

10-15-23 FOS White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrows are another winter resident that has arrived.

10-16-23 Blue-headed Vireo 11-2-23 Blue-headed Vireo

Blue-headed Vireos are often around in October, but the second photo is of one that came in on 11/2/23.

Happy Birthday #23, Bubbler!

A good time was had by all on Saturday, 11/4/23, for the unofficial belated "bird-day party."

11-4-23 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature 11-4-23 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature

First surprise visitor was this young Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Poor thing tried several times to get close to the water, but there were at least 40 American Robins taking turns, putting off other birds. It was Bubbler Bird #93 for the year.

11-4-23 FOS Purple Finch female 11-4-23 FOS Purple Finch female 11-4-23 FOS Purple Finch female #2 11-4-23 FOS Purple Finch female

Two female Purple Finches were the first of fall. These irruptive finches aren't always seen each year, though I'd had them in the spring.

11-4-23 Black-capped Chickadee and Cedar Waxwing
A Black-capped Chickadee checked the sky to see if it was clear for a quick bath, while a Cedar Waxwing decided there were too many robins! The waxwing was Bubbler Bird #94 for the year. The biggest surprise was yet to arrive!

11-4-23 FOY #122 Pine Siskins 11-4-23 FOY #122 Pine Siskins

PINE SISKINS! Another irruptive finch, they have been seen sporadically around the state this fall. Didn't see them at all last year, so what fun to have some come in. They did not go to feeders, though they will eat sunflower chips and thistle. These five (yes, there are five) only went to the water to drink and were Yard Bird #122 and Bubbler Bird #95 for the year, both new records for our sanctuary.

10-31-23 Mourning Dove at rest

So, provide safe habitat with native plants and water, where birds can rest.

  11-4-23 Yellow-rumped Warbler in Gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) 11-4-23 Yellow-rumped Warbler foraging in leaves

Plant natives like Gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) and leave the leaves so birds like these Yellow-rumped Warblers can find insects to eat.

11-2-23 American Robin eating Blackhaw drupes (Viburnum prunifolium)

Be sure to include native shrubs that bear fruit, like the Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium). 

11-4-23 FOY #122 Pine Siskin

Add moving water and you're sure to be treated to a bevy of beautiful birds!

The white oak (Quercus alba) was gorgeous in the late morning sun today,

but most of those migrants had moved on. The chickadee bathed alone.